Does High Stress Levels and Anxiety Cause IBS?
March 12, 2007 by Ken
Filed under IBS Information
Studies are coming out showing people with higher anxiety or stress levels are more likely to be sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome also known as IBS.
How did this discovery come about? There was a study done of 620 patients suffering from Gastroenteritis triggered by a bacterial infection. When these patients participated in the study they were asked to complete a very detailed questionnaire. This consisted of questions regarding their mood, perfectionism, illness beliefs, behaviors and their perceived stress levels.
These patients were rechecked for signs of IBS at 3 and 6 month follow ups. Those who showed the signs at both of those follow ups had showed significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms on their questionnaire.
These patients also would fit the criteria of “driven” people, carrying on regardless until they were actually forced to rest. These behaviors actually prolongs the duration of the condition.
The conclusion? Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be triggered by something such as a bacterial infection but patient’s behaviors and stress levels worsen or prolong the side effects of IBS.
If you suffer from IBS you really need to take a self evaluation to see if your own behaviors are contributing to your illness. Make any changes possible to cut down on your stress level. You really need to consider your personal health your number one priority.
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Most Severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Emotional Distress on Thu, 26th Apr 2007 7:34 AM
[...] Now think of what it is like to have to deal with any one of these Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, let alone all, while you are out on the town. You would constantly be thinking, obsessing, worrying about it. That right there causes emotional distress which would then cause your symptoms to worsen. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a psychological disease and I’m in no way saying that it is. It’s just that stress worsens IBS symptoms. [...]
Anxiety and Depression Thanks To IBS on Wed, 11th Jul 2007 8:55 AM
[...] talked about how high stress levels and anxiety cause IBS but what about the anxiety, high stress level and depression that IBS [...]
Barry on Mon, 7th Dec 2009 5:38 AM
This statement – If you suffer from IBS you really need to take a self evaluation to see if your own behaviors are contributing to your illness. Make any changes possible to cut down on your stress level. – is good advice. IBS may be a symptom of a disorder that can be treated.
Your article was very informative.
Thank you.
Jennie Anne on Sat, 9th Jan 2010 4:04 AM
I have both Anxiety and Depression. This is the wost sickness that you could possibly have in this world. I try to mange it naturally using 5-HTP food supplements.